This document provides tips for preparing for and taking multiple choice tests. It discusses effective study strategies like beginning early, regular review, and active study techniques like flashcards and concept maps. Specific active study examples are provided. Test-taking strategies are also outlined, like reading the question fully before looking at answers and using process of elimination. Examples of multiple choice nursing questions are included to demonstrate these strategies. Contact information is provided for students seeking extra support.

1. Preparing for Multiple Choice Tests
Presented by:
The Learning Curve
Assiniboine Community College
For appointments, please contact Student Services:
• Room 235 (Victoria Ave)
• 204-725-8700 (ext. 6639)
Questions? Contact Caitlin Munn at munnc@Assiniboine.net

3. Overview and Objectives
• Reflect on your current approach to multiple
choice testing
• Practice strategies for answering multiple
choice questions
• Identify effective study strategies

4. Brainstorm: How do you study for
multiple choice tests?
The Meta Picture (2012). My logic when taking a final exam [online image]. Retrieved from http://themetapicture.com/my-logic-when-taking-a-final-exam/

5. General Study Tips
#1 - Begin studying early! There are many
details, facts, and information that you will need
to remember!
University of Waterloo (n.d.). The forgetting curve [online image]. Retrieved https://uwaterloo.ca/counselling-services/curve-forgetting

6. General Study Tips
#2 – Make time for regular review!
Course:
Date:
Concept Definition &
Summary
Key Terms Questions & Next
Steps

7. Example Review Guide
Course: Sociology
Date: September 17, 2015
Concept Definition &
Summary
Key Terms Questions & Next
Steps
Culture  “Culture refers to
the ways of thinking,
the ways of acting,
and the material
objects that together
shape a people’s way
of life” (Macionis &
Gerber, 2011, p. 54)
 Includes
nonmaterial (ideas)
and material
(physical things)
 Nonmaterial
 Material
 Culture shock
 Nation
 State
 Society
 Symbols
 Read chapter 3
from Macionis &
Gerber
 What are
examples of
nonmaterial and
material culture?
 How are nation
and state
different?

8. General Study Tips
#3 – Study Actively
• What to do – rather than just reading notes over
and over, do something active!
• How to do it – create flash cards, concept maps,
mind maps, cue sheets, diagrams, create practice
questions, explain concepts to a friend
• Why? Studying actively promotes deep
understanding, ability to apply new material, and
is more interesting!

9. Flash Card Examples
The Meta Picture (2012). My logic when taking a final exam [online image]. Retrieved from http://themetapicture.com/my-logic-when-taking-a-final-exam/

10. General Study Tips
#3 – Study Actively
• What to do – rather than just reading notes over
and over, do something active!
• How to do it – create flash cards, concept maps,
mind maps, cue sheets, diagrams, create practice
questions, explain concepts to a friend
• Why? Studying actively promotes deep
understanding, ability to apply new material, and
is more interesting!

11. Example Concept Map
Day 1
Include the
main ideas you
learned that day

12. Example Concept Map
Day 2
Continue to add
new concepts

13. Example Concept Map
Day 3
As you learn
more, add
additional details
and examples

15. Preparation Tip #3
#4 – Think critically when studying!
• Example - Identify procedures…do you know
all the steps in order? Why is that order
important?

16. Test Your Memory!

18. How many can you remember?

19. Working Memory
5-9

20. 20472587006200
204-725-8700, ext. 6200

24. So What?
• Material should not be memorized in isolation
• Understanding is more important than
memorizing!
• Find connections, patterns, and meaning – try
concept mapping!
• Studying and learning should be done in a
strategic manner
• Find out how you learn best and tailor your
studying to that (do the VARK questionnaire!)

25. Writing the Test!

26. General Tips for Writing
• Complete all necessary information first (e.g.
name, date, class)
• Plan your time – how much time do you have
for each question?
• If you don’t know an answer, mark it for later
and move on!
• Check that you have answered all the
questions

27. Method
1. Cover the answers
2. Only read the question – do I understand what it is
asking me?
3. Reread the question and underline any important
words (e.g. key terms, qualifying words such as “all of
the above” or “none of the above”)
4. Answer the question without looking at the choice
5. Uncover the choices and identify if your answer is
there
6. Use process of elimination (e.g. eliminate irrelevant
or silly answers)

28. 1. The patient is a 24-year-old man who is
diagnosed with possible HIV infection while
being treated for active pneumonia. He has
stated that the nurse may share test result
information with his significant other but
nothing else at this time. The nurse may:
a) Update the patient’s parents as well
b) Update the patient’s significant other only
c) Update no one in the hospital until the patient says so
d) Update the patient’s physician, significant other,
laboratory personnel

29. 2. Which of the following is the best example of
objective charting?
a) “The patient states that he has been having severe
chest discomfort.”
b) “The patient is lying in bed and seems to be in
considerable pain.”
c) “The patient appears to be pale and diaphoretic
and complains of nausea.”
d) “The patient’s skin is ashen and respiratory rate is
32 and labored.”

30. 3. Which of the following is the best example of
accurate documentation?
a) “Abdominal wound is 5 cm in length
without redness, edema, or drainage.”
b) “Dressing to be irrigated four times a
day with normal saline.”
c) “No complaint of abdominal pain this
shift.”
d) “Patient watching TV entire shift.”

31. 4. Nurse Smith gave a report to Nurse Jones and went
home. After getting home, Nurse Smith remembered
that she gave the patient morphine 2 mg IV but forgot
to chart it in the progress note. She calls Nurse Jones
to let her know and asks if Nurse Jones could chart it
for her. Nurse Jones should:
a) Thank Nurse Smith for calling, but refuse to chart
a medication that she did not give
b) Chart that Nurse Smith called and reported that
the medication was given at the time given and
why
c) Chart that the medication was given and sign the
entry as Nurse Smith
d) Chart that the medication was given and leave a
blank spot for Nurse Smith to sign when she
returns

32. 5. Patients on the unit have their vital signs taken
routinely at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000. At 1000, a
patient complains of feeling “light headed.” The nurse
takes the patient’s vital signs and finds blood pressure
to be lower than usual. Within 15 minutes, the
patient says that he feels better. The nurse rechecks
the blood pressure and finds that it is now back to
normal. The nurse should:
a) Document the 1000 vital signs in the graphic
record only
b) Not report the incident since it was a transient
episode
c) Document the vital signs in the graphic and
progress record
d) Document the vital signs as 12 o’clock signs

33. Next Steps
• Create a study plan for an upcoming test
• Pick a preparation strategy (e.g. flash cards,
concept mapping, practice questions) and
start that tonight!
• Create multiple choice questions
• Practice multiple choice questions

34. Contact Information
For appointments, please contact Student
Services:
• Room 235 (Victoria Ave), P116 (North Hill)
• 204-725-8700 (ext. 6639)